Concerns resignations may slow pulp mill assessment process

There are concerns the pulp mill assessment process in Tasmania will be delayed even further because of the resignation of two members of the Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) panel.

Chair of the RPDC, Julian Green, has announced his retirement altogether, while Dr Warwick Raverty has retired from the Pulp Mill Assessment Panel.

Planning Minister Steve Kons says he appreciates Mr Green's decision to retire ahead of the expiration of his current contract, rather than resign in October, midway through the pulp mill assessment process.

He says Mr Green will be missed.

"Oh, most definitely, whenever someone with Mr Green's experience leaves, certainly it is a blow," he said.

"But there are other suitably equipped professionals, I'm advised by my department, that should make a choice of a future leader of the RPDC a choice for me to make."

Dr Raverty resigned because of legal advice there was a perception of bias with his role.

He had has previously given advice to Gunns Limited, the proponent of the pulp mill.

Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon expects an interim chair of the RPDC to be appointed as soon as possible, but says the commission itself will replace the panel members.

He says he respects the timing of Mr Green's decision and believes the pulp mill process will not suffer.

But the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce has raised concerns about delays, while the Greens says the two new members will need to be independant.